Genitourinary

Ureteral Stent Placement, Removal, or Change

HFFY#6637

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Ureteral Stent Placement, Removal, or Change
The ureters are the tubes that connect each kidney to the bladder. A stent is a small, soft hollow
tube placed in the ureter to improve urinary drainage from the kidney(s). This is done by
inserting a small scope through the urine channel (urethra), into the bladder, then up through the
ureter. The stent can be placed either with the patient awake or in the operating room as an
outpatient procedure. Stent placement, removal, or change is a sterile
procedure. Your urologist, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant
will remove the stent at a clinic visit. If indicated, the stent may be
removed in the operating room. You will be required to give a urine
sample before stent placement, removal, or change.
Why place a stent?
ξ To relieve a kidney or ureter blockage caused by a stone,
stricture, tumor, or swelling
ξ To allow healing after kidney stone surgery
ξ Improves the passage of stone fragments
ξ Before certain procedures or surgeries
ξ Helps dilate the ureter and make more patent
Home Care for Patients with Stents
Diet
ξ Resume your normal eating habits.
ξ Drink at least 6-8 (8oz) glasses of fluid daily. You may want to limit fluids after the
evening meal to avoid getting up to void at night.
ξ If you had anesthesia, do not drink any alcoholic beverages for the first 2 days after the
placement. This includes beer and wine. Alcohol does not mix with anesthesia and may
make you sick.
Activity
ξ You may resume your normal routine, but rest if you have pain or blood in your urine.
ξ Avoid strenuous activities for 1 week after stent placement.
Medicines
ξ If your doctor orders antibiotics, be sure to take all of it.
ξ You may have pain pills to take. Follow the instructions closely.
Passing Urine
ξ The stent may cause you to feel like you have to pass urine more often. The stent may
cause a burning feeling when you pass urine. This is normal and will decrease with time.
ξ You may have blood in your urine. If so, drink more fluids.
stent in ureter
Follow-Up Care
ξ You will have a follow-up visit. It is very important that you do not miss or delay your
follow-up visit.
When to Call
Call the doctor if you notice any of these signs.
ξ Unable to pass urine
ξ Large blood clots in the urine
ξ Severe pain not controlled with pain pills
ξ Cloudy or foul smelling urine
ξ Red or bloody urine after 3 days
ξ Fever over 100° F by mouth
Phone Numbers
UW Health Urology 608-263-4757
UW Health at The American Center Urology 608-440-6464
UW Health One South Park Urology 608-287-2900
After Hours, Nights, Weekends, and Holidays, the clinic number is answered by the paging
operator. Ask for the Urology Doctor on call. Leave your name and phone number with the area
code. The doctor will call you back.
Toll Free: 1-844-607-4800
Your medical records number is ______________________.
Spanish version of this Health Facts for You is #7340
Your health care team may have given you this information as part of your care. If so, please use it and call if you
have any questions. If this information was not given to you as part of your care, please check with your doctor. This
is not medical advice. This is not to be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Because each
person’s health needs are different, you should talk with your doctor or others on your health care team when using
this information. If you have an emergency, please call 911. Copyright 7/2015. University of Wisconsin Hospitals
and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing HF#6637